natural ventilation brochure

natural ventilation technical submission
0844 809 2509 | airtherm.co.uk | info@airtherm.co.uk
The Natural Choice

natural ventilation & lighting systems
Our energy efficient, high
performance systems including
natural ventilation, passive
ventilation & natural lighting

Contents
INTRODUCTION…..…….….……………………………………………………………………..………….…..
OUR NATURAL PRODUCT RANGE ………..………………….....................................................
SECTORS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
SECTORS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
WIND-iVENT…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
SOLAR-iVENT……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
PASSIVE iSTACK VENTILATION SYSTEMS……………..…………………….……….……….….......
NATURAL LIGHTING…...............…………………….…………………………....................................
SPECIFICATION………………………………………………………………………………………...............
DAMPERS……..………………………………………………………………………………………….............
ACTUATORS………..……………………………………………………………………………………….………
CONTROLS…………………......................................................................................................
DYNAMIC THERMAL MODELLING…...................................................................................
INSTALLATION…………………............................................................................................….
CASE STUDIES…………………................................................................................................
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Introduction to Airtherm
Airtherm Engineering Limited supply a wide
range of natural ventilation and lighting
systems that can be designed and installed to
suit virtually any application.
We provide for the commercial, educational, industrial and
private sectors and our products are increasingly popular in
schools, hospitals, offices and industrial buildings.
Natural Ventilation and Lighting systems make use of
nature's own power source to provide interior spaces with a
fresh air supply or natural daylight illumination or both.
Buildings utilising natural ventilation or lighting systems,
by their very nature, experience a significant reduction in
traditional energy running costs.
The Airtherm ‘Wind-iVent’ is a natural ventilation system
operating on established aerodynamic principles. As air
flows around the terminal itself, positive and negative
pressure areas are generated. On the positive side air enters
the louvres of the terminal and is directed down through the
internal vanes into the room below. The negative pressure
on the leeward side of the terminal, induces air to leave the
louvres, and stale air from the room below rises and is
expelled from the terminal. This process is aided by stack
effect, i.e. as cool air enters the windward side of the unit it
descends into the room below, and the warm stale air rises
in the ducts facing the leeward side providing a naturally
fresh environment.

Our Natural Product Range
Energy Efficient Heating, Cooling, Ventilation & Renewables from
Airtherm Engineering Ltd »
Airtherm Engineering Ltd only use products of the highest quality and experienced engineers
with excellence in their field. We aim to provide specifiers and contractors with complete
confidence in our service by managing projects closely, adhering to strict safety guidelines,
demanding the highest quality workmanship and will continue to strengthen our business by
listening to customer feedback.
Health Benefits
By its very nature, the Wind-iVent (natural ventilator), Solar-iVent, (solar-ventilator) Passive-
iVent (passive ventilator) Lite-iVent (combined wind & light ventilator) and our X-iVent (cross
wall ventilation) systems all offer a natural solution to health problems commonly associated with
mechanical air conditioning units. Rather than re-circulating stale air (and possibly germs), the
natural ventilation system is continually removing stale air and replacing it with a fresh supply.
The system takes air from the roof level eliminating a proportion of pollution, including hazardous
carbon monoxide from roadside traffic that is a common issue with low level ventilation methods.
Suitable Applications
Our natural ventilation products are suitable for many applications including schools, offices and
hospitals. They are also used in private, local authority and commercial premises including
gymnasiums, colleges, universities, reception areas, store rooms, changing rooms, libraries,
meeting halls and are also suitable for specialist applications. They provide an ideal solution for
delivering a 'fresh' air supply to areas where conventional room ventilation is difficult due to
critical noise issues.
The Ideal Solution
Our natural ventilation systems offer architects and consulting engineers not only a natural and
environmentally-friendly solution but an acoustically efficient, economical and aesthetic answer to
ventilation needs.

Industrial
Our flue and chimney exhaust systems are the obvious products utilised
by the industrial sector, however our line of natural ventilation and
lighting systems are proving increasingly popular solutions in industrial
buildings and factories throughout the UK.
Our kitchen canopy system sizes are suited to industrial applications as
well.
Leisure
Our natural ventilation and light systems are ideally suited to the leisure
sector where a fresh air supply is essential or bright illumination of large
spaces is required.
Our flue and chimney systems are also ideal to handle any exhaust
requirements demanded by the large boilers often used in leisure centres.
Popular applications include gymnasiums, sports halls and health clubs.
Healthcare
Natural ventilation and lighting is a very popular solution in the health
care sector in hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions. Providing
fresh, breathable air and natural light for patients and health care
workers has numerous benefits to health, recovery and staff
productivity.
Similarly, our kitchen canopies offer a safe, hygienic working
environment where food can be prepared quickly and efficiently without
the worry of external contamination.
Our Sectors

Commercial
Our complete product range is ideally suited to applications
throughout the commercial sector. Increasingly, office buildings are
benefitting from new, greener, more efficient technologies such as
natural ventilation, natural lighting, heat pumps, solar pv and our
energy-saving air conditioning units.
Our range of exhaust products, from flues and chimneys to kitchen
extract canopies, are also suitable for commercial installation.
Educational
Our product range is perfect for the educational sector. We have found
schools and colleges are often keen to utilise the latest green and eco
technology, not just to lower costs but to act as a living experiment for
pupils and parents to experience.
Our natural ventilation systems are a great solution for classrooms
and the daylight supply from our natural lighting products are ideally
suited for the daily periods of occupation.
The growing use of heat pumps and solar pv technology to generate
hot water and electricity while reducing a buildings carbon footprint
are also widely employed as part of a whole building strategy.
Our flue and chimney exhaust systems are also suited to the
buildings heating demands and kitchen canopies can be installed
where on-site cooking or food preparation facilities are used.
Retail
Our efficient, high performance kitchen canopies are ideal for
restaurants and food based retail outlets where food must be
prepared quickly, hygienically and safely. They are used throughout
the industry by outlets ranging from the small to large.
Our air conditioning units are, traditionally, widely used throughout
the retail sector. Our growing range of greener, more efficient and A-
rated energy products are a stylish complement to any shop or as a
replacement for older, less efficient models.
Our Sectors

Wind-iVent - Natural Ventilation Systems
Our natural ventilation solutions consist of two synchronizing devices: a roof-mounted natural
ventilation turret and a wall-mounted unit.
Louvres within these units divert external fresh air into the internal spaces creating a stack effect
which in turn removes stale air or CO² from the space. Airflow, temperature and CO² within the
system are monitored and controlled via pre-set sensors within a given space.
The Airtherm “Wind-iVent” is a natural ventilation system operating on established aerodynamic principles. As
external wind flows around the terminal itself, positive and negative pressure areas are generated. On the
positive side air enters the louvres of the terminal and is directed down through the internal vanes into the
room below. The negative pressure on the leeward side of the terminal, induces air to leave the louvres, and
stale air from the room below rises and is expelled from the terminal. This process is aided by stack effect, i.e. as
cool air enters the windward side of the unit it descends into the room below, and the warm stale air rises in the
ducts facing the leeward side.
The size and type of application is virtually limitless. Additional roof-mounted turrets and wall
vents can be added for larger applications and rooms can be individually monitored and controlled
as necessary.
The features and advantages of such a system include:
•A fresh air supply for workers - proven to increase productivity & reduce staff sickness
•Naturally ventilated - reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint without the need for
mechanical ventilation
•Night time purge of stale air - creating a fresh working environment for staff the following
morning
•Better control of building temperature and CO² levels
•Free cooling

Solar-iVent - Natural Ventilation Systems
How It Works
The Solar-iVent system benefits of a passive stack and an active stack system, similar to our
Wind-iVent range, but with the bonus of a free power source. Our Solar-iVent terminal delivers
fresh air and discharges unwanted stale air (CO²) from internal spaces, effectively eliminating
the need for traditional methods. The system incorporates a solar powered boost-fan which
provides additional 200l/s, 400l/s or 700l/s of fresh air within the compartment below.
The photovoltaic panel collects daylight and convert this to electricity that is regulated via the
charge controller which charges the battery pack. The battery is charged whenever there is
enough available daylight to do so and even generates power on a dull day. The Solar-iVent
range have been designed to supply fresh air 24 hours a day.
The low powered fans are set as standard to simply switch on/off at maximum dampers or as an
optional feature they can be speed controlled variably in conjunction with the damper positions.
Standard Components
☼ 12v or 24v DC Power Supply.
☼ 40w or 60w solar cell.
☼ DC carbon fibre battery Pack.
☼ Power management module.
☼ Low powered DC fan unit - 200L/s, 400L/s and 700L/s
☼ iVent control systems operate with peripheral (wind, rain,
temperature) devices to suit any and temperature application.

Passive iStack Natural Ventilation Systems
The passive stack ventilation systems shall operate on well-established aerodynamic principals.
The manual windows at high & mid-level in each space will provide adequate ‘fresh’ input air at a
rate that complies with Building Bulletin 101 and CIBSE guidelines and provide no less than 8
L/s per person via means of positive pressure against the face of the building structure. The
positive input air is drawn across each area and through the unit by a negative extract pressure at
the passive istack louvre face at the far side of area. Contaminated Co2 laden stale air is then
drawn through the Wind-iVent passive stack mounted at roof level.
The system should be intelligently controlled via room mounted temperature and Co2 sensors,
with occupancy Co2 levels taking presidency over that of temperature.
The passive stack roof ventilation terminals shall be constructed from fully welded corrosion
resistant type 1050 AH14 pure aluminium of 2-3mm thickness, and highly resistant to weathering
as well as chemical attack.
The units will be manufactured in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001, and to suit the architectural
and design parameters as indicated in the design specification and drawings. Internal airways are
to be protected by incorporating anti-bird mesh to the terminal louvers.
The units shall be powder coated to the RAL colour as indicated within the design specification.
If required the independent airflow testing & acoustic performance of the roof units from a
reputable source such as BRE or BSRIA to show compliance can be issued following order
placement.

Natural Lighting Solutions
Day Lighting systems actively capture daylight from the rooftop and
project through a highly reflective tubing to where it’s needed. Solatube
light tube system uses the most advanced technologies to ensure that
the efficiency and performance of their systems is unrivalled.
Extension tubes are available in lengths of 610mm (straight) or 380mm
long incorporating a 0-30° adjustable angle along with the new 0-90°
angle unit. All reflective tubes – including adjustable tubes – are
manufactured from 99.7% reflective Spectralight Infinity material,
allowing tube lengths of up to 15 metres for the SolaMaster 330 DS.
The new Solatube 160 DS, 290 DS & 330 DS (250mm , 350mm and
510mm diameter respectively) set performance standards never seen
before. These systems feature patented Raybender® 3000 Technology
and LightTracker™ Reflector to deliver unprecedented levels of light –
higher even than previous Solatube models. Highly efficient and simple
to install, the Solatube Brighten Up® Series can transform dark or
windowless areas – ideal for residential applications such as kitchens,
bathrooms, hallways, stairwells, utility rooms, living areas, or may be
installed in multiples in larger, open workspaces such as corridors,
offices, consultancy rooms, store rooms, and washrooms.

Natural Lighting Solutions
DIFFUSER OPTIONS
The Brighten Up® Series offers a choice of
diffusers that incorporate Solatube® proprietary
lenses for highly effective light distribution. Each
features a sleek low-profile dress ring. These
attractive and stylish double-glazed diffusers
integrate seamlessly into most ceiling surfaces
with no visible fasteners.
VUSION™ DIFFUSER
The Vusion™ diffuser fits neatly to
the ceiling and delivers outstanding
natural light diffusion
through a prismatic lens.
OPTIVIEW® DIFFUSERS
The technologically advanced
OptiView® diffuser uses a multiple
Fresnel lens system with a stunning
architectural look to deliver crystal
clear daylight.
Available in three designs.
White Trim with OptiView® diffuser
Stainless-Tone with OptiView®
diffuser
Frosted Shade with OptiView®
diffuser

High Capacity - Our natural ventilation terminals are
perfect for both natural, passive and solar powered
options, with all four sides possessing a guaranteed
50% free area allowing a more efficient operation.
High Performance - With the addition of internal
vertical channels and integrated water defence, our
standard terminals can be converted into high
performance Class A rain protection (over 99%
effective).
Internal & Trunk – Housed inside the terminal is a full
height divider which keeps fresh and stale air separate.
Both the terminal base and ductwork below are lined
using a Class ‘O’ type 12.5mmTHK acoustic foam. The
foam offers an ideal acoustic characteristics and the
necessary fire performance. Additional acoustic layers
can be applied to conform to any design criteria
required. The roof lid is also acoustically lined to
prevent unwanted noise transfer from heavy rain
droplets, which can be amplified into the occupied
space below. This method also avoids condensation
forming on the underside of the roof with cold air
entering the terminal and hot stale air rising from below.
Specification
Material: Extruded Aluminium
Construction: Blade mitres fully welded
Frame: None – internal supporting frame
Fixings: None – base suited to raised cill or flat
Sizes: Range from 300mm – 6.0m
Height: 0.5m to 3m high
Finish: Standard – mill finish aluminium
and option for powder coating

Standard features
Ultra high shut off
Independent tests show no leakage below 10Pa;
the pressure most likely to be found in natural
ventilation installations.
Excellent thermal insulation
With a theoretical U value of less that 1 W/m2,
uPVC volume control dampers lose.
Options specified
Belimo /Siemens modulating actuators
factory fitted
The use of Belimo SM series modulating
actuators allows dampers to be set fully open,
fully closed or anywhere in between, for
maximum adjustability and assurance of
comfort.
uPVC volume control dampers
Ultra high shut off
In independent tests, large format uPVC
volume control dampers yielded leakage
results normally only achieved by dedicated
shut off dampers.
The VCD sent for testing had a nominal size of
1000mm x 806mm, the large size tantamount
to our confidence in the damper.
With even 10Pa rarely being exceeded in
natural ventilation situations, it is clear how
uPVC volume control dampers can enhance
the efficiency of your new natural ventilation
system.

Actuators
Belimo 24v 10nm Actuator
Siemens 10nm Actuator
Window Control Actuator
The actuator is controlled by means of a standard control signal DC 0 ...
10 V. It opens to the position dictated by this signal. The measuring
voltage U allows the damper position (0 ... 100%) to be electrically
indicated and serves as a follow-up control signal for other actuators.
Manual operation is possible with the self-resetting pushbutton (the
gearing latch remains disengaged as long as the pushbutton is pressed)
Electronic motor driven actuators for three-position and modulating
control, nominal torque 5 Nm (GDB), 10 Nm (GLB) or 2 Nm (GSF),
mechanically adjustable span between 0...90°, pre-wired with 0.9 m long
connection cables.
For damper areas up to 0.8 m (GDB) / 1.5 m (GLB), friction-dependent for
GSF…1 2 up to 0.3 m2
Suitable for use with modulating controllers (DC 0...10 V) or three-
position controllers for air dampers or air throttles.
The modulation of the window free area will be in tandem with that of
the ventilator stack for each space via 24vDc chain driven actuators,
having quiet operation. The external window openings will operate in
conjunction with the same control signal as the damper stack openings,
with the exception that the windows will operate at five positions as
opposed to the 10 positions of the ventilator actuators to minimise
window motor wear and ongoing maintenance of the DC chain driven
actuators.

Natural Ventilation Controls
Our unique range of natural
ventilation controls and intelligent
sensors have been developed to deliver
optimum control and ease of use of all
our natural ventilation systems.
We can supply traditional combined
sensors (with 0/10v outputs) or sensors
with inbuilt BACnet communications
(which supply a modulating control signal
to end devices such as window actuator
controllers). Our sensors are specifically
designed to be simple to use.
We employ push button overrides, LED
status indications and clear labelling to
make things easier for the end users with
the temperature control, the room set
point for the control of the ventilation
dampers can be adjusted in 10C
increments between 210C and 280C with a
seasonal change over and a night cooling
option if a time clock or BMS time signal
is available. Localised Heating can also be
controlled and is set 20C below the room
set point.
Temp and CO2 Sensor Room Temp Sensor
Our Range of Control Solutions
Standalone Sensors
* Room Temperature and C02 Sensor
* Room Temperature and RH Sensor
* Room Temperature and RH Sensor with manual
override
* Standard room Temperature Sensor
Intelligent Sensors
* Intelligent BACnet Room Setpoint Unit
* Intelligent Temperature and C02 BACnet Sensor
* Intelligent Temperature BACnet Sensor with
manual override
* Intelligent Temperature and C02 level Indicator
Standalone Controllers
* Temperature and C02 Room Controller
* Temperature and C02 Room Controller with
manual override
* Temperature and C02 Sensor controller with
carbon monoxide indicator.
* Temperature room Controller with manual
override
* Temperature room Controller
Peripherals & Devices
* Chain Window Actuator
* Combined Weather Sensor
* Digital alarm Unit
* Digital Extension Timer
* Power supply Unit with Time Clock
* Window Control Module with Power supply.

Standalone ControllersStandalone Controllers
CTCml:
Temperature and CO2 Sensor Controller with manual
override and CO2 Level Indicator
CT:
Temperature Room Controller
CTC:
Temperature and CO2 Room Controller
CTm:
Temperature Room Controller with Manual Override
CTCm:
Temperature Room and CO2 Controller with Manual Override
CTCI:
Temperature and CO2 Controller with CO2 level
indication

Pre-wireable base and plug-on fascia plate
assists in easy, time saving installation
0/10 VDC Heating Signal
0/10 VDC Cooling/Ventilation Signal
Frost Protection
Room Temp Set Point Adjustable
19°C to 26°C
Room CO2 Set Point Adjustable
900ppm to 1600ppm
Our unique range of standalone controllers can control Ventilation Dampers or Automated
Windows together with localised Heating, via on board, Temperature or Optional CO2
Sensors to suit the requirements of each specific application. These Controllers can be linked
to either a time clock or receive a time signal from a BMS to activate the optional Night
Cooling programme (Night Cooling only available with the Manual Override options).
“Our room sensor range has
been specifically designed for
ease of use by the client”

Temperature Control:-
* The room set point for the control of the Ventilation Dampers/Automated Windows can
* be adjusted in 1°C increments between 21°C and 26°C with a seasonal change over
* and a night cooling option if a time clock or BMS time signal is available. Localised
* Heating can also be controlled and is set 2°C below the room set point.
Manual Override (optional):-
* Each room device has manual override capabilities which give the end user control of
* the ventilation strategy to suit the room application. The device consists of two push
* buttons and three LED lights, the push buttons enable the end user to open or close
* the ventilation as required, the LED’s give an indication that the system has either been
* overridden or is in Auto mode. Once the system has been overridden it will stay in that
* mode for 30 minutes, after this time the system will revert back to Auto mode.
CO2 Indication (optional):-
* Each room device can also be fitted with a further 3 LED’s to identify the level of CO2
* within the space; these are green, amber and red. With green being healthy and red
* being high levels of CO2 ppm`s.
Night Cooling:-
* To enable the Night Cooling pre-programmed software, the device needs to be in
* (Night Mode) and the night cooling enabled, this then cools the building to just below
* the room set point. When the Time Switch is in (Night Mode), by holding down the
* open/close buttons this will enable this mode to be turned on/off. (Indicated by the
* Auto LED ON or OFF).
Summer/Winter:
* The Summer set point can be selected to be below the Winter set point, this is 2°C
* below that set value on the dip switches. To select Summer mode, in (Day Mode) hold
* both the open/close buttons down for 5 seconds, lights flash, push the open button for
* summer mode, or close button for winter mode.

Window Control
230V Fused Spur
Window
Actuator
Room Controller ZONE 1
ZONE 2 ZONE 3 ZONE 4
The Window Control Module contains a 24v DC Power Supply and an iWAC module
per Window Actuator that controls via a 0/10 VDC positioning signal from a suitable
controller. The WCM features an intelligent ‘self stroking’ operation and controls the
24v DC window actuator in steps to prevent noise disturbance to end users. The
Window Control Module allows only one window to operate at a time. This saves the
expense and space in only needing a DC power supply rated for the largest actuator
(maximum 3 Amp per controller) to be operated.
Window Control

Dynamic Thermal Modelling
We can offer full dynamic thermal modelling
using the market leading software. This
software utilises building integrated modelling
whereby the same software can be used for
multi-faceted studies.
Airtherm Engineering Limited can carry out a
thermal model of the building to ensure the
ventilation conforms to building bulletin 101.
Natural ventilation modelling
We can model complex natural ventilation strategies making due allowance for:
• Wind and buoyancy driving pressures
• The action of occupancy behaviour regarding ventilation openings
• Automatic controls based on temperature or CO2 levels
• Night cooling and thermal mass
• Wind-iVent and other natural ventilation systems
This type of modelling is far more effective and removes the risk of under performing ventilation
systems within the building
We can advise on:
• The required number and size of ventilation solutions such as terminals, wall ventilation and
windows
• The value of night cooling and exposed thermal mass
• Appropriate strategies to meet BREEAM comfort criteria

Installation
Units can be installed on almost every roof including flat, pitched and even on the roof apex
where appropriate. The roof fabric of commercial applications has bearing on the openings and
roof plates that are required to install the systems competently. We offer a roof plate solution
for all situations, including self mount flashings and curb mount flashings with suitable
upstands. The options for each project will be discussed at the design stage in detail, including
the necessary openings that are required to suit our systems.
The ductwork for the units can pass through any floor level to transfer air within the building.
The units are capable of being controlled and linked to the buildings BMS to ensure dampers
are fully closed in the event of a fire. ‘Wind-iVent’ units can be controlled via master control
panels, room temperature sensors and CO² sensors.
We can also offer many bespoke natural ventilation solutions to clients. Our highly skilled
work force adapt at all types of light to medium metal fabrication including stainless steel,
aluminum and mild steel. GRP moulded products are also available, most suited to circular
formation.
The most common range starts from 500mm to 1200mm and can be combined with a natural
lighting system formally known as the ‘Lite-iVent’ . The Lite-iVent (Light & Vent) system uses
both the wind and sun, and offers a ZERO carbon footprint which has no impact on the
environment.
Our installation engineers are competent in their field and carry all necessary site certification
with CSCS cards, IPATH, PASMA and scaffold towers. Our engineers strive towards excellence
in each and every project they undertake.

SOLARSTORE
MORRISON STORE
• On this particular project the
solar-vent turrets work in harmony
with the controlled wall units
creating a stack effect.
• The Solar-iVent system allows
increased ventilation in summer
and at times of high occupancy,
and also improves the
effectiveness of night-time
cooling.
CROSSVENT SYSTEMS
OUR LADY QUEEN SCHOOL
• This new build school project is the
amalgamation of two local
Primary Schools
• The design of the school
incorporates various environmental
features to provide a low carbon
solution, including natural
ventilation & lighting systems
NATURAL VENTILATION
ABBEYWOOD SCHOOL
• Penthouse Passive Stack Terminals
• uPVC Volume Control Dampers
• 32no aqua blue ventilation turrets
• Insulated internal diverters
• Internal bird screen
• Access lockable doors
CASE STUDIES

Naturally Sustainable, with a vision

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